The kamis sometimes decorate the handles of khukuris with carvings.
Here are some examples.

This one represents a "garud" or dragon.

This is a snow leopard.

Sanu made this near perfect 15 inch, 1.25 lb. AK with silver mountings
as shown.
Very nicely carved and varnished by Bhimsen. The scabbard almost looks
like the hill walnut but I am not a wood man so can't swear to it.
Sanu made the silver mountings for the scabbard and they are just about
perfect. BM 12/2000

This khukuri is of Nepalese origin from the mid 19th century.
It is a nice example with the carved ivory grips. The small knives are
carved as "bagh" or lions. They offer protection to the person who carries
them. JP 7/2001

The fearsome face in the carving above belongs to 'Kirtimukha' (also
known as 'Chepu' in Newari) who is a protective deity. he is always depicted
with just the head, two forearms and chomping on a snake/serpent.

The other image could just be the artists imagination or a seashell
which indicates blessedness. JP 7/01

Ganesh, Hindu god of good fortune, can be recognized by his elephant
head. HW 7/01

Symbols

These are some of the symbols and meanings found on some kothimoras.

The ugly guy with only a head and hands is "Kirtimukha". Sanskrit for
"the face of glory", he is always hungry and is
a protective deity

The "mayura" or peacock is viewed as a general symbol of good luck and
prosperity. It is used in both Hindu and Buddhist culture and is "pancha
raksha" or one of the 5 protective deities. Because of its resistance to
poison, it has become the symbol for longevity.

The piece on the right also has crossed thunderbolts above Kirtimukha.
Hindu: "Varja", Buddhist: "dorje". If it is one alone it represents the
wisdom of enlightened beings. When crossed it is the symbol for creation
and regeneration. Tibetan belief holds that the creation of the universe
was initiated with the crossing of 2 dorje.

upper left: "makara" (maybe) a combination of animals and symbols that
represent abundance and fertility

lower left: lion, or in Nepalese "bagh": Buddhist and Hindu and while
may be associated with the divine. Gods use the lion as their transport
and if you have this symbol with you it will offer protection

upper right: good example of a single "dorje" or lightning bolt

lower right: this is "Durga" and she is the most popular divinity in
the Kathmandu Valley. Also called Devi or Bhagwati she is the female energy
in Shiva and is the divine spirit in all women. She rides a lion and is
the slayer of Mahisa, the buffalo demon (and others) and by doing this
she restores order to the universe. To celebrate her victory buffaloes
(and goats, birds, etc.) are sacrificed during her festival of Dasain.
JP - 7/01

Below find a variety of 'garuda' carved grips ranging from 1870 (far
right) to mid 20th c. Also a close up of an interestingly carved blade
from a kukri of around 1920.

JP - 11/02

A carved ivory grip attached to a budhume style blade. The carving
is very elaborate and deep depicting a Hindu scene. The knife is probably
from c1790-c1810 and was made in western Nepal. This could be early Newari
work.

This is a bit of an anomoly. Very Indian in feel and design but the
elaborate wooden carving is more eastern than Nepal or India. I would almost
attribute it to Assam or Burma, but it is very Victorian so I would think
it was designed in India by an Englishman and carved there in the 1830-60s
using a Nepali kukri that happens to be signed on the spine at the ricasso.

The locket from a very nice late 19th c Nepali kukri with a kothimora
scabbard. It is not done in the normal 'regimental' style as there is no
stud on the locket for the usual ring and sangli attachment. The chape
is just as well done and the handle of the kukri is of beautifully grained
and polished rhino horn. The dragon featured is a representation of teh
'makara' who brings luck and fertility to its owner. This may have been
a wedding gift to a person of wealth. Facing dragons which are rarer double
the luck and are only found on very high quality knives. This piece is
probably from the Kathmandu Valley and could be of Gurung origin although
the sunar was probably a Newar. Attached is a picture if the complete kukri
and scabbard. Beautiful isn't it? JP- 11/02

Carved ivory grip early 19th or late 18th c.

Carved scabbard with ivory grips.

Makara, the dragon of abundance and fertility.

JP - 11/02

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